Some wishes / thoughts / questions
Hi Nick and all,
here's what came up lately for me:
1. The addition of defining a button on the remote control for Input+ (or input- , or both). This way it's possible to circle through all the inputs by eventually using only one button. Means I could keep using the Apple remote even with more then two sources.
Very much wanted on my side!
2. The option to have the volume continuously displayed in the top row, instead of the name of the configuration. Sure, if the configuration would be changed, it would be displayed shortly.
Many times I have to press a volume key before I start a source, just to see where it stands - this would make it easier. And I only use one config anyhow, so no big point in having it continuously displayed.
Same here - highly wanted!
3. If there's some IO pins available, they could be used to switch some relays for one or two more analog inputs. It would make the whole thing more easy and user friendly, having it working from the same remote and being displayed on the LCD with a custom name.
Would be a lovely feature for me! : )
4. If Najda is on analog input, there is a static kinda pop noise about every five minutes. And it's pretty loud.
Any thoughts on this? Anybody else experiencing it?
5. I've been thinking lately it might be interesting to add one of the Dirac boxes from miniDSP to Najda to do the room /phase correction part with it (while Najda taking care of XO and speaker correction).
Wondering if there would be a way to loop the Dirac box through Najda, something like: Najda inputs to SPDIF out > Dirac > Najda SPDIF in and processing.
Just thinking out loud ...
Cheers,
Abel
Hi Nick and all,
here's what came up lately for me:
1. The addition of defining a button on the remote control for Input+ (or input- , or both). This way it's possible to circle through all the inputs by eventually using only one button. Means I could keep using the Apple remote even with more then two sources.
Very much wanted on my side!
2. The option to have the volume continuously displayed in the top row, instead of the name of the configuration. Sure, if the configuration would be changed, it would be displayed shortly.
Many times I have to press a volume key before I start a source, just to see where it stands - this would make it easier. And I only use one config anyhow, so no big point in having it continuously displayed.
Same here - highly wanted!
3. If there's some IO pins available, they could be used to switch some relays for one or two more analog inputs. It would make the whole thing more easy and user friendly, having it working from the same remote and being displayed on the LCD with a custom name.
Would be a lovely feature for me! : )
4. If Najda is on analog input, there is a static kinda pop noise about every five minutes. And it's pretty loud.
Any thoughts on this? Anybody else experiencing it?
5. I've been thinking lately it might be interesting to add one of the Dirac boxes from miniDSP to Najda to do the room /phase correction part with it (while Najda taking care of XO and speaker correction).
Wondering if there would be a way to loop the Dirac box through Najda, something like: Najda inputs to SPDIF out > Dirac > Najda SPDIF in and processing.
Just thinking out loud ...
Cheers,
Abel
Hi Nick/Abel,
There's no shortage of ideas, that's for sure! How about a more universal approach?
Would it be possible to use the Debug serial port for Arduino control, with a comprehensive set of control codes and feedback/error messages? It would mean that you could use an Arduino as an intermediary for extra buttons, a graphics (or no) display, touchscreen, relays, RS232 and IR controller of other equipment and even allow for mobile and internet control....... 😎
I assume that most of the people here are fairly adventurous 😉 so even if you haven't used an Arduino (or PICaxe etc.) they are very easy to set up and pretty much anything you can think of has already been done and is available to copy.
I guess that you would just need a "Developer" mode that would allow you to de-select any/all of the front-panel options so you can use the Debug port for external control. For example, my preferred option would be to use the rotary volume control with some LEDs and switches, but to leave out the display and pimp it up with a few extra features, as per some of Abel's ideas. Any one interested? 🙂
Cheers,
Al
There's no shortage of ideas, that's for sure! How about a more universal approach?
Would it be possible to use the Debug serial port for Arduino control, with a comprehensive set of control codes and feedback/error messages? It would mean that you could use an Arduino as an intermediary for extra buttons, a graphics (or no) display, touchscreen, relays, RS232 and IR controller of other equipment and even allow for mobile and internet control....... 😎
I assume that most of the people here are fairly adventurous 😉 so even if you haven't used an Arduino (or PICaxe etc.) they are very easy to set up and pretty much anything you can think of has already been done and is available to copy.
I guess that you would just need a "Developer" mode that would allow you to de-select any/all of the front-panel options so you can use the Debug port for external control. For example, my preferred option would be to use the rotary volume control with some LEDs and switches, but to leave out the display and pimp it up with a few extra features, as per some of Abel's ideas. Any one interested? 🙂
Cheers,
Al
Sorry, no interest at all !!. In my opinion the aim of this project should be to obtain the best with regard to sound quality!! Therefore,at least for me and also many others, the next step of importance could be the implementation of room correction filters in order to eliminate part of the room disturbances! I prefer as many as taps possible for each channel, in order to get good resolution of room correction filters.
Cheers,
Sigi
Hi Sigi,
Understood!! 😉 I was just thinking that if we could do the ergonomic mods ourselves, it would leave Nick a lot more time to look after the advanced stuff and see what is possible with the current hardware.
Cheers,
Al
Understood!! 😉 I was just thinking that if we could do the ergonomic mods ourselves, it would leave Nick a lot more time to look after the advanced stuff and see what is possible with the current hardware.
Cheers,
Al
+1 - If this keeps the Apple remote suitable even with expansion board.
+1
opamps
Hello Sigi,
which opamps did you end up using? I noticed from your photos with cap upgrades you are trying something other than the stock model.
Hello Sigi,
which opamps did you end up using? I noticed from your photos with cap upgrades you are trying something other than the stock model.
default volume
Hi Nick,
Is it possible to add a default volume setting that would be applied when Najda returns from standby?
I would like to wake Najda from standby with a computer. Do you have any thoughts on how to make a hard-wired circuit to mimic the standby button? Or perhaps wake with USB, etc.
Hi Nick,
Is it possible to add a default volume setting that would be applied when Najda returns from standby?
I would like to wake Najda from standby with a computer. Do you have any thoughts on how to make a hard-wired circuit to mimic the standby button? Or perhaps wake with USB, etc.
May I direct your Attention to this thread:
I2S connection between boards - from bad to worse or how'd you do it?
As the thread's subject relates not only to the Najda, I've posted it in the Digital Line Level subforum ...
Regards,
Gerd
I2S connection between boards - from bad to worse or how'd you do it?
As the thread's subject relates not only to the Najda, I've posted it in the Digital Line Level subforum ...
Regards,
Gerd
Hi,
I am thinking about building a najda dsp. But I have a few questions in advance regarding the setup in my own audio chain.
Momentarily I listen to following setup:
pc - usb dac (M2Tech Hiface ) - tube preamp - class D Poweramp - passive 2-way X-over - tweeter and low/midrange. Pretty classical setup.
I would like to know how the najda wil fit in between my abovementioned setup.
The obvious choice would be the one with the least components such as:
pc - xmos - najda - class D poweramp - tweeter and low-midrange.
But my preference would be the best sounding chain regardless of the number of components (within limits ofcourse!).
I would like to explain what I mean. I have better results when I use my tube preamp as a driver for my class-D poweramp. It sounds less dull and more vivid. It really has a positive effect on the sound. Some people say it has something to do with the ideal match of impedance between preamp and poweramp.
Now my question;
Is there anyone in the panel who has experienced the najda with and without a preamp in the audio chain? Is there also anyone experienced the normal volume pot with the built-in volume attenuator of the najda?
In other words: Do I skip my tube preamp? Can I replace it by the najda with digital attenuation?
Really looking forward to your replies.
Peter van Doornum
I am thinking about building a najda dsp. But I have a few questions in advance regarding the setup in my own audio chain.
Momentarily I listen to following setup:
pc - usb dac (M2Tech Hiface ) - tube preamp - class D Poweramp - passive 2-way X-over - tweeter and low/midrange. Pretty classical setup.
I would like to know how the najda wil fit in between my abovementioned setup.
The obvious choice would be the one with the least components such as:
pc - xmos - najda - class D poweramp - tweeter and low-midrange.
But my preference would be the best sounding chain regardless of the number of components (within limits ofcourse!).
I would like to explain what I mean. I have better results when I use my tube preamp as a driver for my class-D poweramp. It sounds less dull and more vivid. It really has a positive effect on the sound. Some people say it has something to do with the ideal match of impedance between preamp and poweramp.
Now my question;
Is there anyone in the panel who has experienced the najda with and without a preamp in the audio chain? Is there also anyone experienced the normal volume pot with the built-in volume attenuator of the najda?
In other words: Do I skip my tube preamp? Can I replace it by the najda with digital attenuation?
Really looking forward to your replies.
Peter van Doornum
Hi Peter,
I think Najda can act as a very good pre-amp with remote control 🙂
My current setup :
TV Box -> analogic input
PC Daphile USB -> WaveIO card -> I2S input
BluRay Player -> SPDIF input
With 8 analogic outputs you can also use Najda to conect two pairs of speaker eg one passive and one active using different presets.
If you keep your analogic pre-amp you will add another analogic to digital conversion to your audio signal (assuming your audio files are digital) when feeding into Najda.
What are your classD amp ?
I think Najda can act as a very good pre-amp with remote control 🙂
My current setup :
TV Box -> analogic input
PC Daphile USB -> WaveIO card -> I2S input
BluRay Player -> SPDIF input
With 8 analogic outputs you can also use Najda to conect two pairs of speaker eg one passive and one active using different presets.
If you keep your analogic pre-amp you will add another analogic to digital conversion to your audio signal (assuming your audio files are digital) when feeding into Najda.
What are your classD amp ?
Nadja is primarily an active crossover. Do you have multiple power amps? As to use this function you would need a separate power amplifier for tweeter and low-mid. Or are you only interested in the DSP or potential room correction, while keeping your existing passive crossover?
I haven't tried with a preamp, but yes, Nadja can replace your preamp entirely - Think of Najda as a digital crossover DSP preamp.
I suggest you're better off taking the digital output from your XMOS and feeding that directly into the digital input of Nadja. Najda has (mostly) analogue volume control (though activated by push button, not traditional volume pot).
If you wanted to use your tube preamp and use Najda, you would need to either put your tubes before the Nadja, which as Pascal says would mean digi-analogue-analogue-digi-anagloge conversion. If you wanted the drive that the tubes give you you would need a tube preamp for each output, i.e. one stereo preamp for tweeter and another for mid-low assuming you wanted the function of an active crossover. In that instance your preamps would go after Nadja in the chain.
I know for one that Dahlberg on here has a fine Nadja setup with tube output stages, but is using digital volume control...
Hi Pascal,
Thank you very much for your advice. I will take it into consideration. My poweramps are Hypex UCD400 HG. But I also have Anaview ALC 0300 1300's. If I compare them it would be a close finish. It also has to do with taste.
By Peter
Hi,
I would certainly use the Najda as an active crossover for my 2-way loudspeaker. Maybe I could use the option of Room Eq,
Bye Peter
Hi Bud,
Thanks for your explanation. It is very helpful.
I think I will go for the simpliest way first, being pc-xmos-najda-poweramp-tweeter and bass (with active x-over).
If I like the sound it's okay, otherwise I need to build 4 mono tube preamps after the najda. It's no big deal. I make them as Aikido Cathode Followers with 6N6P's. (aplification nearly 1)
Bye Peter
Thanks, good idea but not an option. For tube lovers this is like cursing in Church, if you get what I mean.
Peter